Completing the Application

A job application, along with your resume, is your first opportunity to show an employer you’re a great fit for the job. Its main purpose is to help you get an interview. That means it needs to be complete, accurate, and professional. On this page, you’ll find tips for what to include, how to answer common questions, and how to avoid mistakes that might hold you back from moving forward in the hiring process.

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Before you begin an application, take a moment to read all directions from start to finish. Employers often include specific instructions like attaching a resume or answering certain questions. Following directions shows that you’re detail-oriented and serious about the opportunity.

Be ready to list your:

  • Contact information
  • Education details
  • Previous work or volunteer experience
    • If your relevant experience comes from unpaid experiences (e.g. volunteer, self employment, work for family & friends, etc.), include this in the work history/experience section of the application just as you would for a paid job.
  • Skills and availability

Include as much relevant info as you can, even if it's not from a paid job. School clubs, sports, and family responsibilities count as experience too!

These questions help employers get to know you better. Use them as a chance to show your enthusiasm, personality, and readiness for the job. Here are some typical questions and tips to answer them with confidence:

Why do you want to work here?
Tip: Research the company ahead of time and then mention what you like about the company or job, and how it fits your goals.
Example:

“I enjoy helping people and working with a team, and I’ve heard great things about your customer service. I’d love to grow my skills in a friendly and fast-paced place like this.”

What are your strengths?
Tip: Think about things you're good at, especially things that would help in the job. Choose 2–3 strengths and give a quick example.
Example:

“I’m very dependable and always on time. I also work well with others. I’ve been a team captain for my school’s soccer team and learned how to support my teammates.”

When can you start?
Tip: Be honest about your availability. If you need to coordinate transportation or finish the school year, let them know.

Example:

“I’m available to start the week of June 10, once school is out. I’m free afternoons, evenings, and weekends.”

What is your availability?
Tip: Be specific about the days and hours you can work. If your schedule will change (like during school vs. summer), mention that too.
Example:

“During the summer, I’m available Monday through Friday after 12 p.m., and all day Saturday. Once school starts, I’m available after 4 p.m. on weekdays.”

Are you legally allowed to work?
Tip: If you're 14 or older (or whatever the legal working age is in your state), answer "yes." Some applications will mention a work permit. The state of Colorado does not require work permits. However, if an employer needs age verification, you can request an age certificate through a school administrator. 

Have you worked before?
Tip: Even if you haven’t had a paid job, include things like babysitting, mowing lawns, volunteering, helping at church, or school leadership.
Example:

“I haven’t had a paid job yet, but I’ve volunteered at my local library and helped my neighbors with yard work regularly.”

Do you have any references?
Tip: Prepare a few people (not family members) who can speak positively about you. Potential references could include teachers, coaches, volunteer supervisors, or family friends. Ask their permission first.

Check out our Guide to Building Professional References.

Don’t rush to hit "submit"! Take a few minutes to:

  • Check for spelling or grammar mistakes
  • Confirm phone numbers, emails, and dates
  • Make sure you’ve answered all required questions

A polished application makes a strong first impression.
 

The application is tool for employers to both screen someone in AND to screen someone out. Below is a list of common reasons applicants may be screened out.

  1. Incomplete Application
    1. Required fields left blank (on paper applications)
    2. Missing attachments (like a resume or references)
  2. Spelling or Grammar Mistakes
    1. Typos in names, job titles, or business name
    2. Sloppy writing suggests a lack of attention to detail
  3. Unprofessional Email Address
    1. Always use a name-based, professional email
  4. Lack of Relevant Information
    1. Not showing any transferable skills or experiences
    2. No effort to match qualifications to the job
  5. Generic or Vague Answers
    1. One-word responses or copy-past text that doesn't show interest in the specific positions
  6. Inconsistent Work History or Education Details
    1. Dates don't line up, or school info is missing/confusing
  7. Not Attaching Requested Documents
    1. Not submitting a resume and/or cover letter when the posting asks for one
  8. Negative or Inappropriate Language
    1. Listing why they don't want a job, complaining about previous experiences, or using slang
  9. Not Following Directions
    1. Ignoring instructions like how to submit materials or what to include
  10. Overuse of AI or Copy-Paste Responses
    1. Generic, impersonal answers that don't reflect the applicant's own voice
  11. Availability Information
    1. Being too restrictive on availability to work
    2. Leaving it unclear when they can work or not addressing schedule requirements
  12. Missing Required Qualifications (or Not Highlighting Them)
    1. Not mentioning certifications, training, or legal work eligibility if it's required
  13. Inappropriate Voicemail or No Voicemail Setup
    1. If employers can't leave a message or hear an unprofessional greeting
  14. Red Flags on Social Media (If They Check)
    1. Public posts or photos that suggest unprofessional or concerning behavior

What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

Many employers use something called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to help manage all the job applications they receive. Think of it like a digital filing system that scans your application and resume before a human ever sees it.

The ATS looks for keywords & skills that match the job description, like specific skills, qualifications, or experience. If your application doesn’t include those keywords or follow the format the system can read, it might get filtered out automatically.

Tips to beat the ATS:

  • Use a simple, clean resume format (no fancy fonts or graphics, complex templates, or lots of formatting)

  • Include keywords and phrases from the job posting

  • Use standard headings like "Education" or "Work Experience"

  • Save your resume as a Word document or PDF, if allowed

By understanding how ATS works, you can better tailor your application materials and increase your chances of landing an interview!

Create a "master application" document that has all your basic info in one place. This can save you time when filling out multiple applications. Include:

  • Full name, address, contact info
  • Education history
  • Work/volunteer experience with dates
  • References and their contact info

A master application allows you to be able to copy and paste quickly and stay consistent.

Now that you know how to complete an application, let's practice!

CareerOneStop has a great resource where you can complete a master application and then save it for your records to make filling out future applications easier.